Jack of Clubs by Bárbara Metzger

schoolmistress’s silent acquiescence, Jack continued his inquiry. “Very well, let us think. Have you anywhere you might take Harriet? Family? Friends in town?”
    â€œNone.”
    â€œThen perhaps another of her schoolmates would invite Harriet to spend some time with her family?”
    â€œHarriet had no friends at school. That is, no particular friends.” Before he could ask about that, Allie hurried to say, “Mr. Burquist, the Hildebrands’ man of affairs, suggested your family might take in Harriet.”
    â€œYes, Nell would take in any number of foundlings. She even kept a pet goose because she could not see it eaten. That is not the point. Nell and my brother are not in London. The family town house is being renovated so I cannot even send you there with the servants.”
    â€œWe could go to…Northampshire, did you say?”
    â€œYes, but Nell is increasing and having a difficult pregnancy. Not as difficult as my brother is having, I understand. I cannot send them company at a time like that.”
    Allie could understand. “Of course not. Harriet would be underfoot.”
    â€œAnd they wouldn’t want me,” Harriet added from the corner where she was pouring out the contents of Jack’s decanter for the dog to lap off the floor. “Not with babies of their own. I don’t like babies anyway. I like your dog, though.”
    â€œHe’s a good old—What the deuce are you doing, feeding him my most expensive brandy?”
    Miss Silver quickly asked, “Why could we not stay here? It is not what I might wish, being a bachelor’s residence, but you will find another school for Harriet in short order and I shall find a new position. Your home seems ample for a single gentleman.”
    â€œStay here? A child? For a night or two, perhaps, but I had a hard enough time getting the proper licenses as is.”
    â€œLicenses?”
    â€œYou know, to run a dice table and a roulette wheel. I had to grease a hundred palms before I could open. The magistrates would close the place down in a flash if they saw Harriet here. They frown on children in gaming parlors.”
    â€œRoulette?”
    â€œYes, a game with a wheel and a tiny ball that men with tiny brains watch endlessly. They are paying my bills.”
    Her voice was growing fainter. “This is a…gaming house? Not your home?”
    â€œWell, it is that, too. I saw no reason to take separate rooms when there was space here. And now I do not have to leave near dawn to find my own bed when the club finally shuts its doors.”
    â€œA club?”
    â€œWell, it is technically an exclusive gentlemen’s club, with membership by subscription, but in actuality anyone with the fee can join.” Jack proudly added, “We already have a great number of members. The Red and the Black will be a great success.”
    She barely whispered, “The doors?”
    â€œI thought that was a clever touch. So you see why we have to find somewhere else for Harriet to stay permanently. I would rent a little cottage for you, but I am below hatches at this moment. I sank everything I had into the club and I am not seeing any profit yet. Tonight is our first big event. I invited General We—Where are you going?”
    Miss Silver was on her feet again. Good manners dictated Jack also stand.
    â€œAnywhere. I cannot stay here. Surely you can see that.”
    â€œI can see that you cannot desert me like a rat leaving a sinking ship. How the deuce am I to care for the chit tonight? What do I know about putting her to bed? For that matter, I have to be down in the club all night. I cannot babysit a—Deuce take it, that is my new coat from Weston she is dressing the dog in! You cannot leave!”
    â€œI must! I have to think of my reputation, my references. I will never find another position if I spend a night under the roof of a gambling den.”
    â€œOf course you will. Nell